Book Signing at the Columbia County Library

Book Signing at the Columbia County Library

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Had a wonderful time at the Columbia County Literary Festival on Saturday, November 23, 2013.  Had a very intimate conversation with a lady by the name of Marcie.  She told of her trials and tribulations growing up in Brooklyn, NY.  How my books relate to the lifestyle she chose to take.  Sometimes we think that our lives are going in a spiral direction until we meet others that have lived a worse life than we.  

Then, there were the many coworkers that came out to support and I can’t thank you enough for the love you showed on Saturday.  A very thank you to my husband Terry Hodges who also came out to support me in my endeavors.

Sunday, November 24, 2013  Kroger’s on Columbia Road  Martinez, GA

Portuguese with Miss Monique Lashon an on-air
personality with Power 107 Radio

Had an intimate conversation with Power 107’s first lady of Hip Hop, Miss Monique.  Being a writer, producer, and director of stage plays, we both could relate to the financial burdens, lack of participation, long hours, and stress putting on stage production can endure.  Then there was AJ, the real powerhouse behind her productions.  What a thrill to have such a talented son in her corner!  I really enjoyed the sisterhood and laughter.  

Portuguese: Brief Biography

Donna Hodges is an American playwright and novelist who writes under the pen-name Portuguese. Born in Pensacola, FL, Donna began developing her skill for writing during her time in the United States Navy. Overtime she developed a great interest in the means by which a story can be told thru romance; consequently, she has self-published 4 romance novels since 2002.

In 2006 Donna expanded into the world of live theater with her introductory play: I'm Sorry Momma. The play, a redemptive family drama,  debuted in Augusta, GA on July 21, 2007 at the Historic Imperial Theater. The success of this play was followed by Excuse Me Miss in 2009 and Steppin Out in 2013. She is currently completing work on Institutionalized, which is scheduled to debut in the Spring of 2014.

Adding to repertoire of writing, Donna wrote her first children's book: Cripple Like Me  in 2007. Our Youth Are Ruinin' Me followed in 2009. 

The mother of two sons lives in Augusta, GA with her husband, Terry Hodges. 

A complete collection of her writings is listed below. 

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Romance Novels

Written in a conversational-narrative tone, her romance novels are colored with a hint of an African-American Antebellum charm laid against the backdrop of an modern Southern reality. Through the extraordinary passions of her ordinary characters, her readers are reminded that loves - - both lost and found, mark the turning points in our lives. 

List of Works:

• Essence of Innocence (2002)
• Secret Lies (2005)
• Excuse Me Miss But I am in Love with Your Husband (2008)
• That Woman's House (2013) 

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Stage Plays:
Her stage plays are a unique addition to the growing theatrical landscape among African American playwrights in the American South. Each of her works explore the dynamics of dominant matriarchal figures and the families that look to them for strength, love and often forgiveness. 
List of Works:

• I'm Sorry Momma (2007)
• Excuse Me Miss (2009)
• Steppin' Out (2013) 
• Institutionalized (Scheduled to debut in 2014)

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Children's Books:

Her children's books address the personal identity and self-esteem issues that exist among African American youth. As each story unfolds, Donna promotes self acceptance among our youth for their own unique characteristics and as well as those within their peer groups. 

List of works:

• Cripple Like Me (2007)
• Our Youth Are Ruinin' Me (2009) 

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Short Stories:

Donna is currently working on a collection of short stories, which will include stories of different genres with an eclectic mix of characters. 

Completed Works to Date:

• Grandpa's Dilemma 
• What About Darius

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To find out more about the author please visit her website at:

Portuguese Productions

Follow her on Facebook at:
Portuguese